Delivering 21st Century Skills in the Indian Classroom - Triangle ...

ScholasticUpdating and enriching Teachers:School's in-house teacher trainingA mere one session would not bring in desired results and changes. The principal should plan periodicaldevelopmental programmes because1. Small chunks help2. Training euphoria wears off3. Newer issues / problems would get solutions in the next sessions thereby helping the teacherThe head needs to motivate the teacher to ensure regularity and participation. Not an easy task, though. Therewould be a challenge to bring in the buy-in from our team.Finance has an important role to play for the success of such developmental activities. If the school is monetarilystrong, there would be no issues. If not, the principal/ head needs to look around for financial help- from high netindividuals or corporate world.Schools may charge a nominal fee to make the teachers accountable and be part of the sessions. Anything givenfree will not be respected.If the school management is not able to bear the bill, then it can charge the teacher, payable in installments/regular deductions from salary.Infrastructure in terms of airy and spacious rooms, proper lighting etc, boards and chalks, bulletin boards, paper,furniture etc. would contribute in a big way.But my experience says that sometimes if the topic is made interesting by the resource person and the audience“wants” it, nothing can come in their way. It becomes a “cherished” session.The principal needs to identify appropriate resource persons to lead the discussions and talks. Approachability ofa resource person keeps the teacher in touch for doubt clarifications. This in turn would motivate the teacher tobe part of the activities.The resource person(s) need to interact with the teachers before hand to understand the “deliverables” basedon the needs of the target group.The school can announce some incentives to the teachers who attend such enriching activities linking it tostudents' achievement or even mere participation. According to me, the main incentive is the individual teacher'sintrinsic motivation.The school has to be careful about the receiver's perspective rather than the giver's. Somebody may “feel” that aparticular training development is essential. If the teachers don't want it, the programme would fall flat and alsogreat discontentment.Author: www.learnmile.comMatt Damon, Hollywood Actor 26 11